The IUP Crimson Hawks defeated Ashland, 26-23, on a 46-yard field goal by Dillon Sarka as time ran out in the season opener at Frank Cignetti Field Thursday night.
The field goal was a career-long for Sarka and broke a 23-23 tie that was forged when he kicked a 25-yarder in the third quarter. Sarka kicked four field goals in all.
The Crimson Hawks rolled up 446 yards of offense. Running back Samir Bullock rushed for 200 yards, and wide receiver Allen Wright caught nine passes for 102 yards.
Quarterback Lenny Williams completed 22 of 38 passes for 230 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Wide receivers Dom McNeil and JoJo Gause caught scoring passes in the second quarter.
IUP will take its 1-0 record into Game 2 against East Stroudsburg at home on Sept. 9.
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